The attacker splattered paint across pathways, walls and cars, causing what is likely to be a damage bill running into the thousands.

Later in the week it was discovered that two different paints were used - one an oil-based paint and the other acrylic. That was expected to reduce the damage bill, as acrylic paint was easier to remove.

A council spokeswoman said the clean up job began over the weekend.

The paint along Ethel Hayton Walk - which links Crown Street and the Civic Plaza - was acrylic, which meant it was able to be removed easily.

However, the paint in some other areas was oil-based and too difficult to remove without causing damage to the pavers.

So in those sections, council crews would be turning over the pavers, the spokeswoman said.

That work had already begun, with the pavers having been turned over on lower Crown Street near the old post office.

The spokeswoman said work on turning over the pavers in other areas would continue throughout the week.